Most Wanted Affordable Style – May 2016

Consider these to be power rankings. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a quick upgrade for yourself, expect these to come around about once a month. You’ll find new arrivals and old favorites, especially good deals, or maybe something pricey to keep an eye on for future sales. The potential best of the best, which you may or may not have seen already. Got a tip on something that deserves to end up in the monthly Most Wanted? Send those in here.

 

J. Crew’s Summerweight Blazer in All the Colors – $168 per

Wait, wait. I worry what you just read was “Give me a couple of these Summerweight blazers.” What I said was: Give me a summerweight blazer in all… the colors… you have. They are that good. J. Crew nailed it with these things. Almost completely unlined but still drapes and sits well over your shoulders. Linen/Cotton fabric is woven in Portugal. Easy to tailor non-functioning sleeve buttons. Worth it at full price, and will be a steal if/when they go on sale.

 

GAP’s new “High Stretch” Jeans, but in a STRAIGHT FIT dark wash

Hang on. GAP is making a version of the BR traveler denim too? Fabric composition is 2% Elastane, 8% Polyester, 90% Cotton. So it sure looks that way. And they’re even making it in a straight-fit. Which is awesome news for those of us on team thunder thighs who feel a little too constricted in BR’s slim fit traveler denim (they don’t make a straight fit). But… no dark wash option for the straight or even the slim? You have to go to the painted-on skinny fit for their “resin rinse” shade? Look at how tight those things are. Any closer to the skin and you’ll need a cape to complete the look.

 

Billy Reid K-Swiss Arlington Leather Sneakers – $125

NOT cheap, but Billy Reid does run codes from time to time, so these should be had for less at some point. Grey leather uppers, navy K-Swiss stripes, copper eyelets, and a natural rubber mid-sole. The kind of sneakers you should be able to wear all summer long. Great mix of modern sleekness and throwback looks.

 

Seiko SXK009 Automatic or 007 Automatic – $200ish

The season of sweat and sand is coming up quick, and there’s hardly a watch that can handle it like the 007 and its more colorful 009 brother. 200m water resistance, dependable Seiko automatic movement, and robust rubber strap.

 

Banana Republic 100% Italian Linen Crew Sweater – $74.50 ($89.00)

Should be a perfect Spring/Summer layer. All linen, so it’ll breathe like crazy and also have a nice texture to it. The kind of sweater you pack for a trip to the beach (ocean or lake) that’s scheduled to turn into dinner and drinks afterward. Lots of colors to pick from. Down to $74.50 right now, and an extra 30% off if you’re a card member ($52.15)

 

BONUS: Suitsupply Havana Fit Green Check Silk/Linen/Wool – $399

Finishing off this month how we started it… with a warm weather sportcoat. This one is spendy, but the fabric is really something else. 54% Silk, 27% linen, 19% wool fabric milled in Italy. A check pattern with character without getting stupidly loud. Barely there lining and super soft shoulders. Patch pockets keep it casual. Wear it with jeans while it’s still cool, then white or pale grey chinos when it gets blistering. Size shown above is a 40R. Since it’s Suitsupply, it does come with functioning sleeve buttons at the cuffs. But it also ships and returns for free.

Want more most wanted? Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.